Work 'N Leisure Recalls Air Valves Used in CPR Training Due to Choking Hazard

What was recalled

In November 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving specific CPR training equipment manufactured by Work ’N Leisure, also known as WNL Products. This is not a broad recall of every CPR valve they produce, but rather a targeted action against a specific batch of their Practi-VALVES. These devices are designed to help individuals practice the mechanical aspect of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The product in question consists of small, disposable blue plastic air valves that trainees connect to a plastic mask. During a typical CPR training session, the user places the mask over the dummy’s mouth and blows through this valve to fill the dummy’s lungs with air, allowing them to practice the rhythm and effort required for effective resuscitation.

The recall specifically affects Practi-VALVES found in Lot 3197. To identify if you possess a recalled unit, you need to look closely at both the product itself and its original packaging. The valve is relatively small, measuring approximately 2.75 inches long by 1 inch wide. Printed clearly in white on the body of the blue plastic valve are the words "WNL Products." More importantly, the lot number "Lot 3197" is printed directly on the packaging. If your package does not display this specific lot number, it is not part of this recall. It is crucial to check this identifier because Work ’N Leisure produces other valves that do not have the same defect.

While the exact number of units sold globally is not detailed in the public record, these products were widely distributed through various retail channels and educational suppliers before the recall date of November 23, 2016. They were commonly purchased by first-aid training centers, schools, workplaces, and individual consumers preparing for emergency scenarios. The issue lies in the construction of the valve’s end-cap. During normal use, particularly when a trainee is blowing forcefully into the device, the end-cap can detach from the main body of the valve. This detachment transforms a small plastic piece into a dangerous object that can be inhaled or swallowed if it becomes lodged in the mouth or throat during training.

The decision to recall this specific lot was driven by confirmed safety incidents. Work ’N Leisure had received three reports where the end-caps of these valves detached from the Practi-Valve into consumers' mouths or throats while they were actively using them for CPR training. These are not hypothetical risks; they are documented events that demonstrate a clear failure in the product's durability under expected use conditions. Because the hazard involves choking, which can be fatal, especially during an activity that already requires focus on breathing and airway management, the CPSC deemed it necessary to remove these specific items from circulation immediately. If you have Practi-VALVES from Lot 3197, they are no longer safe for use, regardless of how new or unused they appear.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the Work ’N Leisure Practi-VALVE appears to be a simple, disposable tool designed for a noble purpose: teaching life-saving CPR skills. However, the specific design flaw identified in this recall creates a dangerous disconnect between the device’s intended function and its physical reality during use. The core issue lies in the construction of the valve’s end-cap—the small plastic component located at the mouthpiece where the trainee places their lips to blow air into the dummy. Under normal conditions, this cap is meant to stay securely attached to the blue plastic body of the valve. In the recalled units from Lot 3197, however, the structural integrity of this connection is compromised. The end-cap can detach entirely while the device is in use.

Understanding why this matters requires looking at how CPR training actually works. During mouth-to-mouth resuscitation practice, a trainee must create a tight seal over the dummy’s face and blow with significant force to inflate the lungs. This action generates pressure inside the valve. If the end-cap fails to hold its position under this pressure—or even if it simply loosens during the vigorous movements of training—it can become dislodged from the main body of the valve. Because the trainee has their mouth firmly pressed against the device, a detached cap does not fall away harmlessly. Instead, it is often pulled directly into the mouth or throat by the suction and movement involved in breathing through the device.

The danger here is immediate and mechanical. Once the plastic end-cap detaches inside the oral cavity, it becomes an uncontrolled foreign object in a critical airway. This poses a severe choking hazard. The trainee may find themselves unable to breathe, speak, or clear the object without assistance. In emergency training scenarios, panic can set in quickly when breathing is obstructed, potentially leading to further injury or confusion at a time when calmness is essential for learning. While the Practi-VALVE is marketed as a disposable item meant to be inexpensive and replaceable, this specific failure mode turns it into a significant safety risk rather than a harmless practice aid.

This type of hazard is particularly insidious because it occurs during the act of using the product as directed. The consumer is not misusing the device; they are following the instructions precisely—connecting it to a mask, placing it over the dummy’s mouth, and blowing through it. It is only during this correct usage that the defect manifests. Reports indicate that this detachment has already occurred in three separate instances, with the end-caps ending up in consumers’ mouths or throats. This confirms that the risk is not merely theoretical but has resulted in actual physical obstruction events for users.

• The Mechanism: The plastic end-cap detaches from the blue valve body during use.
• The Context: This happens while the user is blowing through the device to inflate a CPR dummy.
• The Result: The detached cap enters the mouth or throat, causing choking and airway obstruction.

Who is most at risk

Understanding who is most vulnerable to this specific recall requires looking beyond just the product itself and examining the context in which it is used. The Work 'N Leisure Practi-VALVES are not typical household items found on a shelf; they are specialized training tools designed for CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) education. Consequently, the population at risk is relatively narrow but intense. The primary group exposed to this hazard consists of individuals actively engaged in CPR training courses. These users are typically adults—ranging from college students and healthcare workers to community members taking mandatory safety certifications—who are practicing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation techniques on mannequins.

The specific mechanism of the hazard creates a unique vulnerability for these trainees. During the practice exercise, the user places the valve directly over the dummy’s mouth and blows forcefully through it to simulate breathing into the victim’s lungs. This action requires significant physical exertion and close proximity between the user’s face and the device. If the end-cap detaches during this high-pressure moment, it does not simply fall away; it can be inhaled or lodged in the throat because the user is actively creating negative pressure by blowing and inhaling. This makes the incident far more dangerous than a standard choking hazard where an object might just be dropped.

While any person using Lot 3197 of these valves is at risk, certain groups within the training population may face heightened concerns. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions or reduced lung capacity might struggle to manage the airflow if they experience panic or discomfort from a detached piece in their airway. Furthermore, newer trainees who are anxious or inexperienced with CPR procedures may be more prone to improper handling of the equipment, potentially increasing the likelihood of the valve being subjected to stress it was not designed to withstand during vigorous practice sessions.

It is also important to note that while the product is marketed for training, there is a risk of cross-contamination or shared use among small groups. If one person in a study group uses a defective unit and experiences an incident, it could disrupt the entire learning session and cause significant distress. Although the recall does not specify age restrictions, children are generally not the primary users of this specific industrial-grade training valve due to its size and intended professional or educational application. However, if such valves are present in a home environment where older adults might be practicing for personal preparedness, they would also be at serious risk due to potentially slower reflexes in clearing an airway obstruction.

• CPR Students: Anyone who has purchased or been assigned Lot 3197 Practi-VALVES for training is directly at risk.
• Healthcare Trainees: Nurses, EMTs, and medical students often use these tools repeatedly, increasing exposure frequency.
• Community First Responders: Volunteers taking basic life support courses are equally vulnerable during practice drills.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own CPR training equipment from Work 'N Leisure, it is important to verify whether your specific set of air valves is part of this recall before taking any further action. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very specific subset of products involved in this safety issue, meaning that not all Work 'N Leisure valves are affected. To determine if your equipment needs to be returned, you must carefully inspect both the physical valve itself and its original packaging for several distinct identifiers.

First, look at the product name printed on the device. The recall specifically targets items labeled as "Practi-VALVES." These are disposable air valves designed to connect a plastic mask to a CPR dummy, allowing trainees to practice mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by blowing through the valve to fill the dummy's lungs. If your equipment does not bear this specific name, it is likely not part of this recall, but you should still check the other details to be certain.

The most critical identifier for this recall is the lot number printed on the packaging. You must look for the text "Lot 3197" clearly marked on the box or container where the valves were originally stored. This recall only involves valves from Lot 3197; units from other production lots are not subject to this specific safety alert. Please note that while the lot number is on the packaging, you should also check the valve itself for confirmation.

On the blue plastic air valve, look for white printing that reads "WNL Products." This branding helps confirm the manufacturer. Additionally, pay attention to the physical dimensions of the valve. The recalled items are disposable and measure exactly 2.75 inches in length by 1 inch in width. If your valves differ significantly in size or are made of a different material than blue plastic, they may not be the affected units. However, if you see the "WNL Products" text on a blue valve that matches these dimensions and came from packaging marked "Lot 3197," you have one of the recalled items.

If you are unsure about the origin or lot number because the packaging has been discarded, try to recall when and where you purchased the item. While the recall does not list specific retailers or dates of sale, knowing your purchase history can help you trace back to the correct lot number if you have any old receipts or emails. If you cannot confirm the lot number is 3197, but you suspect the product might be involved, it is always safer to contact Work 'N Leisure directly using the information provided in the remedy section to verify your specific unit.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that you possess the recalled Work 'N Leisure Practi-VALVES from Lot 3197, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and fully compensated remedy to resolve the issue. Because this recall involves a serious safety hazard rather than a simple cosmetic defect, Work 'N Leisure is not asking you to keep the product or attempt a DIY fix. Instead, they are offering free replacements for all affected units. This approach prioritizes your safety and ensures that CPR training can continue without interruption, provided you use the new, safe equipment. The core of this remedy is simple: you will return the dangerous valves to them, and they will send you new ones at no cost to you.

To initiate this process, you need to contact Work 'N Leisure directly. You have three convenient ways to reach their customer support team, which operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The most direct method is to call them at 800-884-9629. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you can email john@wnlproducts.com. For those who prefer navigating the web for detailed instructions, you can visit their official website at www.wnlproducts.com. Once there, scroll to the very bottom of the homepage and click on the link labeled "Practi-VALVE Recall." This dedicated page should contain any specific forms or shipping labels required to facilitate the return.

When you reach out to them, be prepared to provide specific details to help them identify your affected product quickly. It is helpful to have your packaging ready, as the recall only applies to valves in Lot 3197, which is clearly printed on the box. You may also want to note that the valve itself has "WNL Products" printed in white on it and measures approximately 2.75 inches long by 1 inch wide. Having this information on hand will speed up the verification process. While the recall notice does not explicitly detail a cash refund option, the primary remedy is the provision of free replacement units, which is standard for recalled safety equipment to ensure the hazard is completely removed from your possession.

It is important to understand why they are offering replacements rather than just a refund. The Practi-VALVE is a specialized tool used for CPR training, where trainees practice mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on mannequins. Simply getting your money back would leave you without the necessary equipment to complete your training or maintain your certification. By providing free replacements, Work 'N Leisure ensures that the educational value of the product is preserved while eliminating the choking hazard posed by the detachable end-caps. This remedy addresses both the immediate safety risk and the practical need for functional CPR training materials.

Please act promptly once you confirm you have the recalled item. The recall date was November 23, 2016, and since then, there have been three reported incidents where end-caps detached into consumers' mouths or throats during use. These are not minor inconveniences; they are serious choking hazards that can lead to life-threatening situations. By returning the defective valves now, you are taking a concrete step to protect yourself and anyone else who might use the equipment in your possession. Do not wait for further notice or assume the risk is negligible. Contact Work 'N Leisure today to arrange your free replacement and ensure your CPR training remains safe and effective.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your CPR training valve. Perhaps you are in the middle of a certification course and need to keep practicing. Maybe you have a busy schedule and feel that finding time to mail the item back will only delay your progress. Or perhaps you simply believe that because you haven’t had a problem yet, the risk must be low. While these are practical concerns, ignoring a recall involving a choking hazard is not just a minor oversight; it is a decision that puts your physical safety directly in jeopardy. The consequences of continuing to use the recalled Work 'N Leisure Practi-VALVES extend far beyond simple inconvenience—they involve real, immediate threats to your airway and overall well-being.

The core danger lies in the specific way these devices are used. When you practice mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, you place the valve directly into your mouth and blow forcefully to inflate the training dummy’s lungs. This action creates significant pressure inside the device. According to the CPSC, the end-cap of these valves is known to detach under such conditions. If you ignore the recall and continue to use a valve from Lot 3197, you are essentially betting that the plastic connection will hold every single time. But when it fails—and reports indicate it can happen during normal use—the detached cap becomes a foreign object lodged in your throat or mouth. This is not a theoretical risk; Work 'N Leisure has already received three separate reports of end-caps detaching into consumers' mouths or throats during CPR training sessions.

Choking is a rapid and terrifying emergency. If a plastic component blocks your airway, you lose the ability to breathe. In a training environment, this irony is stark: you are learning how to save lives, but you could be causing harm to yourself. Even if you manage to cough the object out without full asphyxiation, you risk severe lacerations to the soft tissue of your throat or mouth from the sharp edges of broken plastic. There is also a secondary risk of aspiration, where the detached piece is inhaled into the lungs rather than expelled, which can lead to serious infection or require surgical intervention to remove.

Beyond the immediate physical trauma, ignoring the recall creates a false sense of security. You may assume that because the first few times you used the valve nothing happened, it will always be safe. However, plastic fatigue and manufacturing defects do not follow predictable patterns. One use might result in a clean break; the next could result in shattering or sudden detachment during a critical breath. By continuing to use the product, you are refusing to remove a known hazard from your environment. The remedy offered by Work 'N Leisure is simple: return the item for free replacements. Choosing not to take advantage of this safety net means you are voluntarily accepting the risk of injury for no gain. Your health and airway integrity are far more valuable than the few minutes it takes to contact the manufacturer or visit their website.

• Airway Obstruction: The detached end-cap can physically block your breathing, leading to choking.
• Tissue Damage: Broken plastic pieces can cut or tear the delicate tissues in your mouth and throat.
• Aspiration Risk: Inhaling the small plastic component into the lungs can cause serious medical complications.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in CPR training equipment, the underlying principle of safety is universal: vigilance and proper maintenance are your best defenses against accidents in any household activity. When it comes to medical training aids, first aid kits, or even standard healthcare supplies, the safety of the product is often tied directly to how well you care for it. For devices like the Practi-VALVE mentioned above, the risk arose from a component that could detach under pressure. This serves as a reminder that items designed for high-stress situations must be inspected regularly. Before using any training mask, valve, or airway device, take a moment to check for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks in plastic components, fraying in straps, or loose fittings. If something feels unstable or does not fit securely, do not use it. In a real emergency, you cannot afford to second-guess the integrity of your equipment.

Furthermore, never underestimate the value of reading the manufacturer’s instructions before every use, even if you feel familiar with the product. Safety warnings are often placed where consumers might overlook them during routine tasks. Manufacturers update their guidelines based on new data or incident reports, so what was considered safe last year might have changed today. For CPR training specifically, ensure that the equipment you use is compatible with your specific trainer model. Using mismatched parts can create unintended gaps or weak points in the seal, which not only reduces the effectiveness of your training but can also lead to unexpected mechanical failures. If you are unsure about compatibility or condition, contact the manufacturer directly rather than guessing.

Another critical step in staying safe is establishing a routine for checking product recalls. Many consumers assume that if a product is working fine, it is safe, but latent defects often go unnoticed until an incident occurs. Set a quarterly reminder to visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or subscribe to their email alerts. This simple habit ensures you are aware of any new hazards affecting products in your home, from children’s toys to home appliances. Additionally, keep your purchase receipts and product registration cards in a dedicated folder. Having proof of purchase and the specific model number readily available can significantly speed up the remedy process if a recall is announced.

Finally, consider the environment in which you store these items. CPR training aids should be kept in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat can degrade plastics over time, making them brittle and more prone to breaking under pressure, just like the end-caps in this recall. By treating your safety equipment with the same respect you would give to other critical home safety devices—like smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms—you ensure that when you need it most, your tools will perform exactly as intended. Safety is not just about buying the right product; it is about maintaining a culture of care and awareness in your daily life.